Proposer Anonymity

Definition ∞ Proposer anonymity refers to the ability of a block proposer in a blockchain network to conceal their identity from other network participants. This feature aims to prevent targeted attacks, such as denial-of-service attempts or censorship, against specific validators or miners. It helps maintain the decentralization and security of the network by making it harder to identify and influence individual block creators. This characteristic strengthens network resilience.
Context ∞ Discussions around proposer anonymity are particularly relevant in proof-of-stake blockchain ecosystems, where validators are known entities. News often addresses proposals and implementations designed to enhance this anonymity, such as through “builder-proposer separation” or specialized privacy protocols. The debate centers on balancing transparency for accountability with the need for protection against malicious external interference.